The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-04

broad -heartedness, our free institutions and
roomy territory, have poured in upon with
their alien tongues. ideas and eccentricites ike
an irresistible food. Every thoughtful and
patriotic man trembles when he thinks of the
possible issue of this peaceful invasion of our
country by this great army of strangers. Tho
peril TO our government is decidedly imminent
Let US look at some of the facts From 1900 to
1880 ten millions OF foreigners came to America,
and three-fourths Of them came within the last
twenty-five years. They are increasing III num-
bers every year. and study of the causes Of
this mighty movement shows that immigration
has ouly begun. The fact 10 stated for true that
Europe will be able to send us during the next
thirty years nine times many Immigrants as
she did during the thirty years just past.
She can send us 1000, 600 people every year and
stii increase her population Influences which
have been co operating to stimulate the move
ment are increasing in their strength SO that we
can reasonably conclude that this great stream
Will flow on with rising flood" Our foreign
born population, according to the tenth census.
was 6. 6I9. SAB, but add to this their children Of
the first generation, who numbered 83l6053
and we have total of about $4,000. 600. Esti-
mating upon the averages of the last twenty
years. tour foreign population, including
children of the first generation, will be. in 1900
43,OOO, O0O Such an immense alien element is
bound to affect our Nations life and char
acter. The evils of this Wholesale immigration
are palpable. The typical Immigrant is a
European from low life, whose mental and moral
training has been meager, if not false; whose
ambitions low; whose ideas of law and gov
eminent are dangerously imperfect Our foreign
criminal courts. In 1870 this element formed
about 20 per cent. of the population of New
England and furnished IS per cent. of the
Grimes or, in ratio. the foreigners were twelve
times as much disposed to crime as the native
stock. In one Of the work houses Of the East
s ses 1 hsa sSs SOP sss
number so per cent native born
and 76 per cent. foreign. Such force left un-
touched is bound to affect the morals OF the
whole body of native population.
Many American citizens not for America.
They are like the ''Frenchman from Cork
walking paradoxes They hold to their own
languages and peculiar customs They carry
their nationality into politics, making
distinct but very strong vote for which poll
ticiars bid. This great mass of votes, acting in
concert, Is decisive of State and even national
elections. Again, this element tends to
tralize itself, which increases the difficulty.
Minneapolis has 40 900 Scandanaviaps; parts of
Wisconsin as large as 200. 900 acres are held by
people of one nationality. Chicago has a Bo-
hemian ward exclusively. These little govern
ments within our government are contrary to
our beloved republican principles. Our govern
ment implies measure of sympathy between
citizens, and, to certain point, community of
ideas, and in general close relations between
man and manchester relations than possb
with people who have different languages. ante
cedents, religions, ideas and habits. is found
in these closely bound clans and settlements.
This danger from immigration is especially
imminent to the West, and it falls to US
more than any other to face and solve the great
problem. How can this be donef Assimilation
heterogeneous masses is impossible. Mere
tact of the good with the bad only results disas
trouslv for the good. There is not enough
leavening power in the natural moral influences
of Christianity and education, apart from other
auxiliaries, to "domesticate' this great body.
The government must interpose. She is the one
really imperiled. Let our wise men, who are
set up for the purpose. put such restrictions on
immigration the times and circumstances, &C.
cording to their judgment demand. Let
them bring laws to bear upon ''our
visitors in such way as will leave
no doubt in their minds that they have
stepped under the rule of a government with
strict laws and stern Constitution. Let not
insist oaths of allegiance, for allegiance and
loyalty two different things; but let us in
sist some kind of prudent measures whereby
alien, when he comes to America assumes
obligations from which his foreign extraction
and customs cannot release him. This will not
be misanthropy, but unselfsh patriotism. This
will not be inconsistent with our cradle song and
war-cry. elderly" but will be strong barrier
TO any infringement upon that most sacred boon
of the American citizen. w. @. @.
Ink d